Countries

Jordan

Threats to Food Security

Jordan, a chronic food and water-deficit country, is populated by 6.5 million habitants and is ranked 95th out of187 on the Human Development Index.

Despite the lack of economic and natural resources and the country’s sensitive location, Jordan’s economy has benefited from a tangible growth over the last decade at an average of 7 percent mainly triggered by the economic reform process adopted in the early 1990s. Nevertheless, poverty continues to be a challenging issue, with 14 percent of Jordan’s population falling below the poverty line of 680 JOD (US$960) per person per annum.

Jordan is one of the world’s four most water-deficit countries. In the best season, the country produces no more than 3 to 4 percent of its cereal requirements. The agricultural sector, which represents a source of income for more than 15 percent of the population, continues to grapple with different challenges that are aligned around water scarcity, recurring droughts, urbanization and desertification.